What bitrates do you usually use for which codec (AAC vs AC3 vs EAC3)?

[korach1921]

I'm currently working with a PCM stereo that's mainly music and want to try converting it to a lossy codec, but I'm not sure what bitrate to use. I was thinking of 192 kb/s for AAC stereo and 256kb/s for AC3 (that might be too much?), but completely lost on EAC3 (if I should actually use it at all).

Any advice?

 

[Gieferg]

I only use AC3.

For stereo - 192 kbps which is standard bitrate on official releases.
For 5.1 - usually 448 kbps which WAS standard bitrate on DVD.

 

[DonkeyKonga]

I usually just go with the highest available bitrate on 5.1 which is 640 for premiere pro. I always use AAC or AC3 or EAC3 because not a single samsung TVs will play dolby or PCM unfortunately, and I do intend to watch them with audio myself lol. (something to maybe keep in mind, also)

 

[Williams Elfzimmer]

VBA should have the best balance of quality and size on drive if it is an option

 

[DigModiFicaTion]

With Vegas, I use aac at the highest fidelity.

 

[tremault]

when using a lossy codec, audio takes relatively little space compared to video. I read that the standard for mp3 was 256 so I go for the next one, it's over 300 but can't recall the exact number. Maybe I should go higher...

 

[greenturnedblue]

Remember that when exporting 5.1, the total bitrate is split six ways (one for each channel). Personally I do not go lower than 640kbps, and even then that is just 100 kbps per stream.

For reference a blu ray can be 4+ mbps...

 

[Possessed]

I usually use 384 for stereo ac3. File is still pretty small so why not. Although like others have said 192 is still sufficient.